Islamabad, January 23, 2018 (PPI-OT):Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry addressed a large gathering of South Asia experts, academics, opinion makers, US government officials and media representatives at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC today, says a press release received here today from Washington DC. Speaking on the topic of “Broadening the Lens Beyond Security: The Next Few Decades of US-Pakistan Relations”, the Ambassador made a case for strong PAKISTAN-US bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and commonality of interests.

He argued that strong and durable Pak-US partnership was essential to achieving the common objectives of peace and stability in the region, especially for peaceful resolution of the conflict in Afghanistan. The Ambassador outlined a number of steps, Government of Pakistan has taken to facilitate the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. The Ambassador apprised the audience on the sacrifices and achievements of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. He stated that Pakistan has turned the tide of terrorism at a time when the broader region was still grappling with this menace and this is evident by increasing presence of ISIS in Afghanistan.

He informed the audience about the economic strides that Pakistan has made in the recent years as a result of improving law and order situation. He highlighted the enormous opportunities in Pakistan for foreign investment and highlighted that more US corporate entities have also shown keen interest in taking advantage of the improved economic situation in the country. He emphasized the need for the Pakistan and the US to work together to enhance economic content of the relationship for mutual prosperity. The Ambassador also touched upon the various other aspects of the 70 years of the multifaceted bilateral relationship between Pakistan and USA including the strong people-to-people contacts.